Independent Star, which co-owns the paper with Northern & Shell (publisher of the UK Daily Star), has released a statement announcing the suspension of Michael O'Kane with immediate effect.

"Independent Star Limited has suspended editor Michael O'Kane with immediate effect, pending an investigation into the circumstances that led to the Irish Daily Star re-publishing pages from the French magazine Closer, which contained images of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge," the statement read.

"Independent Star Limited has no further comment pending conclusion of the joint investigation by the newspaper's shareholders."

O'Kane defended the move, insisting that the Duchess shouldn't be treated any differently to other celebrities, adding: "She's not the future queen of Ireland, so really the only place this is causing fury seems to be in the UK.

"She decides to partially disrobe on a balcony where it can be seen from a public road and she's stunned now, or the Palace are annoyed that people are interested in this."